Blog

Irelands Most Beautifully Conserved Buildings

From ring forts, Neolithic tombs and medieval castles to the elegance of Georgian, Palladian and gothic buildings, Ireland has a rich a varied architectural history which has absorbed the styles of many of our European neighbours. Thankfully so much of it remains today for the public to visit and enjoy. If you’re considering updating a room in your home, why not seek inspiration from the very best. Here are some of our favourite restoration projects of recent years.

North Great George’s Street – Dublin

No 11: This one street in Dublin houses some of the most beautifully restored Georgian buildings. No 11 is no exception. Built in the 1770s it contained intricate stucco decoration and Rococo plasterwork. Its grandiose rooms were designed to host the socialites of high society. It went the way of many of these grand buildings and succumbed to deterioration when it became a tenement building in later years. Luckily in the 1990s a gradual process of restoration began and continues today.

No 38: Also on this street is this beautiful Georgian home built by a former Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1785. Much like No 11, a new owner instigated repairs in the 1970s and with the more recent help of the Irish Georgian Society the house has now been restored to its former glory.

This lodge was updated in 1785 based on designs from Batty Langley’s book on Gothic architecture. Recently restored with funding from the OPW, this beautiful home is open to the public to enjoy for weekend getaways through the Irish Landmark Trust.

This neoclassical style building was designed by architect James Gandon in 1790 and took a long time to be finished before being shut up in the early 1900s. Restoration started in 1960s by Major Cholmeley Harrison until the estate was handed over to the OPW in 1994 for the public to enjoy.

Built in the 1820s Ballyfin house was recently restored over an eight year period. When rot caused part of the dining room ceiling to collapse in the Gold Drawing Room, a nine year restoration was set in motion. The elegant gilding and stucco work was lovingly revived as well as the outside stone work.

One of Ireland’s most famous house and gardens started life as a 13th century castle. There was much alteration over the centuries but then sadly Powerscourt House was all but destroyed in a fire in the 1970s. It wasn’t until 1994 that a major restoration project began. While many of the rooms are now retail units much of the building’s magnificent features and façade remains and two rooms are open to the public as they once were.